A Mother’s Heart - 8/19/09 - Your Mountain

As I was running in Missouri this past week, training for the half marathon in September, I had a couple of huge hills on my route to climb. With the temps hovering around 90+ degrees, those hills felt like mountains. But instead of being intimidated or tempted to quit, I decided to slow my pace, dig deep, and focus on God’s strength. I viewed the few steps in front of me, not looking at the overwhelming challenge further up the road. I had to forget about all my other challenges in life, increase my mental toughness, and overcome this current physical battle. I chose to focus on each little step, build upon these positive movements and get up that hill, knowing that the other side would allow for some recouperation.

Like the challenges presented in running, life has similar obstacles to overcome. It is our approach to these obstacles that we must continue to seek God’s help and refine our methods. I have come to learn that no one person can help me overcome these obstacles; I must depend on the strength from God to endure such challenges.

I’ve come to learn that when I run, it is a time for me to escape from the cares of this world and be alone with God. I have come to hear God speaking to me more consistently during my training. I now enter my workouts with an expectancy of listening to God influence my thoughts and guide my actions. It’s as if I’m running into His presence. This gives me motivation to better deal with life’s obstacles, knowing that one day, today’s obstacles will be meaningless in eternity. I want to encourage you with whatever your “mountain” may be at this time; slow down, focus on the few steps in front of you and listen to what God has to say about the “mountain” before you, whatever your “mountain” may be.